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אַבְרָהָם (av.ra.ham)

av.ra.ham

Abraham

H0085 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 155 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
155 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Abraham, meaning "father of a multitude," marks a pivotal shift in the biblical narrative from a single individual to the progenitor of a vast nation. Originally called Abram, which means "exalted father," he received this new name in Genesis 17 as part of God’s covenant promise that his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth. This change signified not just a title but a transformation of identity and destiny.

Throughout Scripture, Abraham serves as the foundational figure for Israel’s identity. References like "the God of Abraham" in 2 Chronicles 30:6 or "seed of Abraham" in Psalm 105:6 anchor the people’s faith in this ancestral covenant. His story illustrates how divine promise shapes history, establishing him as the spiritual ancestor through whom blessings flow to many nations.

The transition from Abram to Abraham highlights a key theological theme: God’s power to fulfill impossible promises. By renaming him, God emphasized that Abraham’s legacy would extend far beyond his immediate family, fulfilling the covenant with Ishmael and Isaac while pointing toward future generations. This name remains central to understanding Jewish and Christian heritage alike.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Abraham means "father of a multitude," marking a shift from a single individual to the progenitor of a vast nation. Originally called Abram, he received this new name in Genesis 17 as part of God’s covenant promise that his descendants would be numerous. This change signified not just a title but a transformation of identity and destiny.

Throughout Scripture, Abraham serves as the foundational figure for Israel’s identity. References like "the God of Abraham" anchor the people’s faith in this ancestral covenant. His story illustrates how divine promise shapes history, establishing him as the spiritual ancestor through whom blessings flow to many nations.

The transition from Abram to Abraham highlights a key theological theme: God’s power to fulfill impossible promises. By renaming him, God emphasized that Abraham’s legacy would extend far beyond his immediate family, pointing toward future generations. This name remains central to understanding Jewish and Christian heritage alike.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 155 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Abraham133×
  • to/ Abraham22×
  • and/ Abraham8×
  • <to>/ Abraham3×
  • O Abraham2×
  • from/ Abraham1×
  • [is] Abraham1×
  • [belonged] to/ Abraham1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • אַבְרָהָ֖ם28×
  • אַבְרָהָ֑ם20×
  • אַבְרָהָ֔ם18×
  • אַבְרָהָם֙14×
  • אַבְרָהָ֛ם14×
  • אַבְרָהָ֜ם12×
  • לְ/אַבְרָהָ֥ם8×
  • אַבְרָהָ֣ם8×
  • אַבְרָהָ֗ם5×
  • וְ/אַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם4×
  • אַבְרָהָֽם\׃4×
  • אַבְרָהָ֥ם4×

Key Verses

  • Genesis 17:5
    Your name will no more be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.

    This verse records the moment God renames Abram to Abraham, explicitly defining the meaning as father of a multitude of nations.

  • Genesis 18:18
    since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed in him?

    Here God declares that all nations will be blessed in Abraham, expanding his significance beyond biological descendants to global blessing.

  • Genesis 19:29
    When God destroyed the cities of the plain, God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the middle of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in which Lot lived.

    God remembers Abraham when destroying Sodom, showing how his covenant relationship influences divine action for others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Abraham mean?

The name Abraham means "father of a multitude." It was given to Abram in Genesis 17 to signify God's promise that his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth.

Why did God change Abram’s name to Abraham?

God changed Abram’s name to mark a new covenant and destiny. It signified that he would become the father of many nations, not just a single family line.

How is Abraham connected to blessings for other nations?

In Genesis 18:18, God states that all nations of the earth will be blessed in Abraham. This establishes his role as a spiritual ancestor through whom divine favor flows to many.

Every Occurrence (155 verses across 15 books)

Genesis 116 verses
Genesis 17:5

Your name will no more be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of…

Genesis 17:9

God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their…

Genesis 17:15

God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but her name shall be Sarah.

Genesis 17:17

Then Abraham fell on his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, “Will a child be born to him who is one hundred…

Genesis 17:18

Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!”

Genesis 17:22

When he finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.

Genesis 17:23

Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money: every male among…

Genesis 17:24

Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

Genesis 17:26

In the same day both Abraham and Ishmael, his son, were circumcised.

Genesis 18:6

Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly prepare three seahs of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.”

Genesis 18:7

Abraham ran to the herd, and fetched a tender and good calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to dress it.

Genesis 18:11

Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age. Sarah had passed the age of childbearing.

Genesis 18:13

Yahweh said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Will I really bear a child when I am old?’

Genesis 18:16

The men rose up from there, and looked toward Sodom. Abraham went with them to see them on their way.

Genesis 18:17

Yahweh said, “Will I hide from Abraham what I do,

Genesis 18:18

since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed in him?

Genesis 18:19

For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the…

Genesis 18:22

The men turned from there, and went toward Sodom, but Abraham stood yet before Yahweh.

Genesis 18:23

Abraham came near, and said, “Will you consume the righteous with the wicked?

Genesis 18:27

Abraham answered, “See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord, although I am dust and ashes.

Genesis 18:33

Yahweh went his way as soon as he had finished communing with Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.

Genesis 19:27

Abraham went up early in the morning to the place where he had stood before Yahweh.

Genesis 19:29

When God destroyed the cities of the plain, God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the middle of the overthrow,…

Genesis 20:1

Abraham traveled from there toward the land of the South, and lived between Kadesh and Shur. He lived as a foreigner in…

Genesis 20:2

Abraham said about Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.

Genesis 20:9

Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have…

Genesis 20:10

Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you see, that you have done this thing?”

Genesis 20:11

Abraham said, “Because I thought, ‘Surely the fear of God is not in this place. They will kill me for my wife’s sake.’

Genesis 20:14

Abimelech took sheep and cattle, male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and restored Sarah, his…

Genesis 20:17

Abraham prayed to God. So God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants, and they bore children.

Genesis 20:18

For Yahweh had closed up tight all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

Genesis 21:2

Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

Genesis 21:3

Abraham called his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.

Genesis 21:4

Abraham circumcised his son, Isaac, when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Genesis 21:5

Abraham was one hundred years old when his son, Isaac, was born to him.

Genesis 21:7

She said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age.”

Genesis 21:8

The child grew and was weaned. Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.

Genesis 21:9

Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking.

Genesis 21:10

Therefore she said to Abraham, “Cast out this servant and her son! For the son of this servant will not be heir with my…

Genesis 21:11

The thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight on account of his son.

Genesis 21:12

God said to Abraham, “Don’t let it be grievous in your sight because of the boy, and because of your servant. In all…

Genesis 21:14

Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a container of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her…

Genesis 21:22

At that time, Abimelech and Phicol the captain of his army spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you…

Genesis 21:24

Abraham said, “I will swear.”

Genesis 21:25

Abraham complained to Abimelech because of a water well, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.

Genesis 21:27

Abraham took sheep and cattle, and gave them to Abimelech. Those two made a covenant.

Genesis 21:28

Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.

Genesis 21:29

Abimelech said to Abraham, “What do these seven ewe lambs, which you have set by themselves, mean?”

Genesis 21:34

Abraham lived as a foreigner in the land of the Philistines many days.

Genesis 22:1

After these things, God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” He said, “Here I am.”

Genesis 22:3

Abraham rose early in the morning, and saddled his donkey; and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son.…

Genesis 22:4

On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place far off.

Genesis 22:5

Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there. We will worship, and come…

Genesis 22:6

Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. He took in his hand the fire and the knife.…

Genesis 22:7

Isaac spoke to Abraham his father, and said, “My father?” He said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Here is the fire and…

Genesis 22:8

Abraham said, “God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they both went together.

Genesis 22:9

They came to the place which God had told him of. Abraham built the altar there, and laid the wood in order, bound…

Genesis 22:10

Abraham stretched out his hand, and took the knife to kill his son.

Genesis 22:11

Yahweh’s angel called to him out of the sky, and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” He said, “Here I am.”

Genesis 22:13

Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and saw that behind him was a ram caught in the thicket by his horns. Abraham…

Genesis 22:14

Abraham called the name of that place “Yahweh Will Provide”. As it is said to this day, “On Yahweh’s mountain, it will…

Genesis 22:15

Yahweh’s angel called to Abraham a second time out of the sky,

Genesis 22:19

So Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beersheba. Abraham lived at Beersheba.

Genesis 22:20

After these things, Abraham was told, “Behold, Milcah, she also has borne children to your brother Nahor:

Genesis 22:23

Bethuel became the father of Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother.

Genesis 23:2

Sarah died in Kiriath Arba (also called Hebron), in the land of Canaan. Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep…

Genesis 23:3

Abraham rose up from before his dead and spoke to the children of Heth, saying,

Genesis 23:5

The children of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him,

Genesis 23:7

Abraham rose up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, to the children of Heth.

Genesis 23:10

Now Ephron was sitting in the middle of the children of Heth. Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the…

Genesis 23:12

Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land.

Genesis 23:14

Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him,

Genesis 23:16

Abraham listened to Ephron. Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the children of…

Genesis 23:18

to Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all who went in at the gate of his city.

Genesis 23:19

After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre (that is, Hebron), in the…

Genesis 23:20

The field, and the cave that is in it, were deeded to Abraham by the children of Heth as a possession for a burial…

Genesis 24:1

Abraham was old, and well advanced in age. Yahweh had blessed Abraham in all things.

Genesis 24:2

Abraham said to his servant, the elder of his house, who ruled over all that he had, “Please put your hand under my…

Genesis 24:6

Abraham said to him, “Beware that you don’t bring my son there again.

Genesis 24:9

The servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter.

Genesis 24:12

He said, “Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, please give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.

Genesis 24:15

Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of…

Genesis 24:27

He said, “Blessed be Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his loving kindness and his truth…

Genesis 24:34

He said, “I am Abraham’s servant.

Genesis 24:42

I came today to the spring, and said, ‘Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, if now you do prosper my way which I go—

Genesis 24:48

I bowed my head, and worshiped Yahweh, and blessed Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me in the right…

Genesis 24:52

When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed himself down to the earth to Yahweh.

Genesis 24:59

They sent away Rebekah, their sister, with her nurse, Abraham’s servant, and his men.

Genesis 25:1

Abraham took another wife, and her name was Keturah.

Genesis 25:5

Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac,

Genesis 25:6

but Abraham gave gifts to the sons of Abraham’s concubines. While he still lived, he sent them away from Isaac his son,…

Genesis 25:7

These are the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived: one hundred seventy-five years.

Genesis 25:8

Abraham gave up his spirit, and died at a good old age, an old man, and full of years, and was gathered to his people.

Genesis 25:10

the field which Abraham purchased from the children of Heth. Abraham was buried there with Sarah, his wife.

Genesis 25:11

After the death of Abraham, God blessed Isaac, his son. Isaac lived by Beer Lahai Roi.

Genesis 25:12

Now this is the history of the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s servant, bore to…

Genesis 25:19

This is the history of the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son. Abraham became the father of Isaac.

Genesis 26:1

There was a famine in the land, in addition to the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. Isaac went to…

Genesis 26:3

Live in this land, and I will be with you, and will bless you. For I will give to you, and to your offspring, all these…

Genesis 26:5

because Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my requirements, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”

Genesis 26:15

Now all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped,…

Genesis 26:18

Isaac dug again the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had…

Genesis 26:24

Yahweh appeared to him the same night, and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Don’t be afraid, for I am with…

Genesis 28:4

and give you the blessing of Abraham, to you and to your offspring with you, that you may inherit the land where you…

Genesis 28:9

So Esau went to Ishmael, and took, in addition to the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s…

Genesis 28:13

Behold, Yahweh stood above it, and said, “I am Yahweh, the God of Abraham your father, and the God of Isaac. I will…

Genesis 31:42

Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have…

Genesis 31:53

The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” Then Jacob swore by the fear of…

Genesis 35:12

The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac, I will give it to you, and to your offspring after you I will give the…

Genesis 35:27

Jacob came to Isaac his father, to Mamre, to Kiriath Arba (which is Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac lived as…

Genesis 48:15

He blessed Joseph, and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has fed me all my…

Genesis 48:16

the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads, and let my name be named on them, and the name of my…

Genesis 49:30

in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with…

Genesis 49:31

There they buried Abraham and Sarah, his wife. There they buried Isaac and Rebekah, his wife, and there I buried Leah:

Genesis 50:13

for his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham…

Genesis 50:24

Joseph said to his brothers, “I am dying, but God will surely visit you, and bring you up out of this land to the land…

Exodus 9 verses
Leviticus 1 verse
Numbers 1 verse
Deuteronomy 6 verses
Joshua 2 verses
I Kings 1 verse
II Kings 1 verse
I Chronicles 6 verses
II Chronicles 2 verses
Nehemiah 1 verse
Psalms 3 verses
Isaiah 4 verses
Jeremiah 1 verse
Micah 1 verse